What should you know about combined systolic and diastolic heart failure?

Systolic function describes contraction, which pushes blood forward. Diastolic function describes relaxation, which allows the chambers to receive blood. When both are affected, pressure can build behind the heart and fluid may collect in the lungs or lower legs. Breathlessness, reduced stamina, cough, tiredness, a racing or irregular heartbeat, and swollen ankles can occur, although symptoms vary.

High blood pressure and rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation can add strain. A clinician combines your symptoms, examination, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood tests, and heart imaging to understand the pattern.

Arrange a review if symptoms are new, worsening, or interfering with walking or sleep. Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not stop them suddenly without medical advice. Keep a record of breathlessness, swelling, dizziness, palpitations, and how your activity tolerance changes. Ask whether you need a medication review, an echocardiogram, rhythm assessment, or a chronic disease review.

Practical measures may include taking medicines at a consistent time, moderating salty processed foods, avoiding smoking, and balancing activity with rest. Your plan should account for kidney function, blood pressure, rhythm, and other conditions.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly increasing breathlessness, chest pressure, fainting, blue or grey lips, confusion, or an inability to speak in full sentences. Contact a clinician promptly for a clear increase in ankle swelling, sudden weight change, worsening cough when lying down, or repeated palpitations with light-headedness.

Ask which part of heart function is affected, what your tests show, how to recognise fluid build-up, and which symptoms should trigger same-day advice. Also ask how often your medicines, kidney function, blood pressure, and heart rhythm should be reviewed.